The prince is fierce: Who dares to steal my woman?

Upon hearing this, Luo Chuan nodded thoughtfully and added, "However, I discovered something unusual in Yu Jin's study. In one corner of the study was a charcoal brazier, with embers still burning. There was a faint smell of burning paper in the air, as if... someone had destroyed something important there."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's lips curled into a cold smile, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes: "That old fox Yu Jin is indeed meticulous in his actions, not even willing to leave a trace. But the more he does this, the more it shows that he has something to hide."

Huan Rongzu said bluntly, "It is obvious that Yu Jin has destroyed all the letters he exchanged with officials from various departments."

Yu Xin'er's expression shifted between light and shadow, her voice trembling slightly, as if every word carried an unspeakable weight: "It seems that my father does indeed have a problem."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan frowned, her eyes flashing with a sharp light: "Your father's problem is far from over."

Immediately, he looked intently at Huan Rongzu, his tone tinged with urgency: "Rongzu, calculate how much cash we've collected this time, in terms of the value of the loot?"

Huan Rongzu took a deep breath, a smug smile appearing on his face. He slowly extended three fingers, his tone tinged with pride: "Rare items such as jade artifacts, antiques, calligraphy and paintings, and ancient books, plus cash, roughly estimated, amount to about thirty million taels of silver."

When this number was revealed, even he himself was taken aback, as if he was shocked by the sheer size of the figure.

Upon hearing this, Yu Xin'er's mouth dropped open in astonishment, her eyes filled with disbelief: "So many..."

Her voice trembled, as if she couldn't believe her ears. The number was both foreign and perplexing to her; it weighed heavily on her heart like a boulder, making it hard for her to breathe.

Upon seeing this, Huan Rongzu smiled knowingly and said, "This is just a preliminary estimate. In reality, it may be much higher than this."

Luo Chuan sneered and said, "This amount is enough to cover the military pay of 100,000 troops for five years."

Xiao Jinyan turned his gaze back to Yu Xin'er and said jokingly, "Madam, I never expected your family to be so wealthy."

Huan Rongzu snorted coldly, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes: "Yu Jin is truly a corrupt official. He has embezzled and accepted bribes, and who knows how much of the people's wealth he has plundered. However, this time, it has certainly enriched our young master."

His words were full of sarcasm and ridicule, as if he were watching an absurd farce.

Xiao Jinyan looked at Yu Xin'er again and said jokingly, "See? Your father is not simple."

Yu Xin'er lowered her head, concealing the turbulent and complex emotions in her eyes.

“Yu Jin, that old fox, an unshakeable figure in politics, he’s probably entangled with various princes and factions, he’s betting on many things, and he’s as greedy as a wolf, obsessed with money. Now that I, Xiao Jinyan, have plundered so much of his wealth, how could he possibly let me off so easily?”

Xiao Jinyan's words, like a sharp sword, mercilessly shattered the silence.

His voice was deep and powerful, each word like a heavy hammer striking Yu Xin'er's heart, stirring up ripples.

Yu Xin'er's emotions were like fallen leaves swept up by a storm, churning and struggling, yet finding no place to settle. She had few warm memories of Yu Jin, her nominal father. From childhood to adulthood, as an illegitimate daughter, she had only received indifference and neglect. However, the bond of blood was ultimately difficult to sever; it was a complex and subtle emotion, a mixture of love and hate, indescribable.

Xiao Jinyan, her husband, was her only support in this cold world, a haven for her soul. She was unwilling and unable to watch either of them suffer because of this struggle.

Caught between a rock and a hard place, Yu Xin'er's eyes suddenly lit up. She slowly spoke, her voice carrying a hint of determination and wisdom: "I have a plan that may protect my husband from being harmed."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's brows relaxed slightly, a hint of surprise and anticipation flashing in his eyes. He asked eagerly, "What plan?"

Yu Xin'er pursed her lips slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips, and said, "My cousin He Jian is currently the Commander of the Central Guard, in charge of the imperial guards outside Jiankang, and is deeply favored by the Emperor. He and I have been close since childhood, and he is also a direct descendant of the Crown Prince. If the Crown Prince were to intervene and recommend my husband to He Jian's army as a general, given time, my husband could win over some of the imperial guards' generals and hold military power. Would he not be able to protect himself?"

The Central Guard Commander, also known as the Guard General, was called the Central Guard Commander if he was less senior, and the Guard General if he was more senior. He was mainly responsible for the defense of the capital city outside the palace, centered on Stone City.

He Jian's background is truly impressive. His father was the former Grand General He Wei, a veteran official who served two emperors and helped them establish the empire, and who passed away three years ago. His elder sister is Crown Princess He Qiongying, Liu Zhan's principal wife, who will likely become the future empress. His wife is Princess Heyang, Liu Xiyu, Emperor Liu Yilong's most beloved daughter.

From this perspective, He Jian is undoubtedly a member of the imperial family. Even though General He Wei has passed away, the He family's status remains as high as ever.

Xiao Jinyan understood that, given his current situation, making such a small request to the Crown Prince was not excessive.

Luo Chuan's gaze was deep as he slowly spoke, his voice tinged with doubt: "However, even if His Highness the Crown Prince personally recommends the Heir Apparent to serve as a general in He Jian's army, it will be by no means easy for him to successfully seize military power. The Imperial Guards are all seasoned warriors who have experienced countless battles. Their loyalty and faith cannot be easily subdued by the empty title of a general."

Upon hearing this, Huan Rongzu nodded slightly, his eyes gleaming with a deep understanding and reverence for military life: "Yes, those soldiers who fight bloody battles have their own pride and perseverance. If a general cannot impress them with his true talent and outstanding achievements, how can he expect them to willingly risk their lives for him? The weight of military power lies in the hearts of the people, not in empty words."

Luo Chuan sighed softly, turning his gaze to the window as if pondering a more profound plan: "Furthermore, the young master's reputation as a playboy has already spread far and wide. Everyone knows of his frivolous and playful nature, but few know whether there is a hidden sharpness behind it. Those Imperial Guard generals are all outstanding individuals, and they will likely look down on the young master, thinking that he is merely a show-off. They will not easily befriend him, much less entrust their lives to him."

At this moment, Yu Xin'er, who had been listening silently, suddenly spoke up, her voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable strength: "I disagree. Although my husband has a bad reputation and is known as a playboy, I know him well; he is shrewd and resourceful. Behind his seemingly carefree behavior lies a hidden wisdom and strategy beyond the reach of ordinary people. Furthermore, the current situation is delicate, and my husband holds a significant advantage. With this advantage, coupled with his abilities, he can gradually win over the hearts of the Imperial Guard generals, allowing them to see his true value, and thus gradually gain control of the military, paving the way for future grand plans."